Solar-powered bags

FSB asked me to test these small pieces of luggage, which have external solar panels that can charge small devices such as PDAs and cellphones. (None generated enough juice to charge a laptop.) For each, I ran my T-Mobile Dash cellphone until the battery died, then timed a full solar charge outside.

By Mason Arnold, FSB Contributor

2 of 3

ECLIPSE SOLAR GEAR

"Fusion"TM messenger bag, $170

This dull green bag was apparently designed to look used even when new. The low-profile solar panel gives it the lowest geek factor of all three bags. Sadly, the Eclipse also turned in the weakest performance: Six hours of full sun gave my Dash only about a 30% charge, after which I had to suspend the test. Also, the outlet is awkwardly placed so that the cord impedes fishing trips into the bag's interior.

eclipsesolargear.com

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